Today, I discovered a new blog: Tribal Writer. It’s been around for a while, so there’s definitely been a gap in my education.
Here’s a clip about “interestingness,” something I’m always interested in, that really stood out for me.
“Interestingness is interesting partly because we don’t immediately understand it. The Mona Lisa interests us not because she is beautiful (she isn’t) but because of her enigmatic smile. We want to know more. Further exploration is required. Because interestingness often does combine old ideas in new ways, or goes off in new directions, it’s not like you can predict where it’s going with a map or a plan or a business proposal.
The most intriguing people often tend to be contradictory in some way. They combine opposites. Ambiguity can be a powerful feature of seduction: Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo dressed in a “masculine” way that only served to highlight their femininity; Betty Boop and Marilyn Monroe and even Britney Spears combine a childlike vulnerability with an adult sexual maturity. Some of the most clichéd and stereotypical characters maintain their hold on our collective imagination because of the opposites they embody: the hooker with the heart of gold, the gentle giant, the dude who is mean and tough on the outside but secretly loves babies and kittens. Superman masquerades as Clark Kent: the hero is also the dork. And was Tiger Woods more interesting before or after he fell off his pedestal?”
-via “10 Traits of Interestingness” by Justine Lee Musk
Interestingly enough, I think this got my attention because I’m so into understanding opposites and using one to avoid the other. I might have to rework that.
So, question of the day for you (and me), what opposites do you combine?
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